Petrova: Which side of the brain do you work from?

The Mind

Posted: Thursday, February 03, 2005

By Rali PetrovaTeen Board

Many of us don't realize it, but more than half the time we use only one side of our brain. Who we are and what we tend to like is not just formed from our character. The definition of right brain versus left brain is the theory of the structure and functions of the mind which suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. This also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.

Research has shown the two hemispheres of the brain are responsible for different behavior of thinking. Below is a table that shows a general idea of what each hemisphere is accountable for:

Left brain:

 Verbal processes

 Responds to word meaning

 Sequential ordering

 Processes information linearly

 Responds to logic

 Plans ahead

 Recalls names

 Speaks with few gestures

 Punctuality

 Prefers formal study design

 Prefers bright lights while studying

Right brain:

 Visual processes

 Responds to tone of voice

 Random thought

 Processes information in varied order

 Responds to emotion

 Impulsive behavior

 Recalls people's faces

 Gestures when speaking

 Less punctual

 Prefers sound/music background while studying

 Prefers frequent mobility while studying

This does not mean you think with just your left or right brain. The average person uses mostly just one, but not completely. There are also a small number of people who are whole-brained and equally adept at both modes. Being left- or right-brained influences not just who you are as a person, but also your daily routines, how you work, study, perform at school and think.

Left-brained students like to work alone. They like to read independently and include research in their papers; they prefer a quiet classroom with minimal distractions. Left- brained students also like lectures, they are perfectionists and have difficulty understanding lessons with a visual-spatial orientation. Left-brained people have a weaker right hemisphere and use the right side of their body. Right-brained students prefer to work in groups. They like to do art projects and graphic design. Right-brained students would rather make a mobile than write "another tedious term paper." They have difficulty processing information that is presented verbally and having visual pointers, such as overhead or white board, will help the students "see" and comprehend the points. Right-brained students also like to have background music while they work and do visual group activities.

It's a lot of fun to take a test or two and see if you're left or right brained. Look for the different characteristics of the left and right brain and try to figure out what brain your friends are. If you want to test your brain, a good Web site to visit is: http://library.thinkquest.org/19910/data/brain_test.htm.